Staff Correspondent 

The government has decided to lease out 25 public waterbodies (jalmahals) exceeding 20 acres in size for a six-year term (1433–1438 Bengali Era) under development projects, safeeguard genuine fishermen's rights, boost fish production, and accelerate government revenue collection.

The decision was finalized at the 92nd meeting of the Committee on Leasing Government Jalmahals under Development Projects, held at the Ministry of Land conference room on  Monday . Land Minister Mijanur Rahman Minu, MP, presided over the meeting.

Speaking as the chair, Land Minister Mijanur Rahman Minu emphasized that absolute transparency and accountability will be maintained in the administration of government waterbodies, with zero tolerance for irregularities. 

Land State Minister Barrister Mir Md Helal Uddin, MP, attending as the special guest, stated that the Ministry of Land is working relentlessly under the directions of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to enhance food security and employment through the optimal utilization of government waterbodies. 

During the meeting, detailed proposals regarding 34 waterbodies across four districts—11 in Moulvibazar, 1 in Rangpur, 19 in Sylhet, and 3 in Kushtia—were presented. Discussions were also held on key miscellaneous agendas, including Durgasagar Dighi in Barishal, Churuil Beel in Chapainawabganj, extension of the 779-pond Nimgachi Project under the Department of Fisheries, and Suti River (closed) Beel in Habiganj.

Following thorough scrutiny by committee members, the proposal to lease 25 waterbodies for a six-year period (1433–1438 BE) was unanimously approved.

The meeting was attended by Land Ministry Acting Secretary Md Emdadul Huq Chowdhury, Sayrat Section Joint Secretary Mohammad Mafijul Islam, and other senior officials. Deputy Commissioners from Moulvibazar, Sylhet, Rangpur, Barishal, Chapainawabganj, Pabna, Sirajganj, and Habiganj joined the proceedings virtually via Zoom.